Scouting Report: Ethan Pocic

LSU
Offensive Guard #77
6’6″ 310, Senior

Pocic was highly recruited out of Lemont High School as he had offers from all of the top programs in the country. As his senior season concludes with the LSU Tigers, every NFL scout will be looking at him as well, simply because he has solidified himself as one of the best, and versatile interior offensive-lineman prospects in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft.

At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Pocic has a rare combination of size and athleticism to play all over the offensive line. In Pocic’s 36 career starts for the Tigers he has 26 of them at center, nine at guard, and one at left tackle. Being that size, he has unexpected athletic ability, and footwork to be equally as effective in pass-protection as he is at run-blocking.There are a lot of reasons Leonard Fournette (LSU Tigers running back) is one of the top backs in the country. Fournette obviously has elite talent, but when someone with the ability of Pocic is leading the way, he can give any back an opportunity to be successful.

Pocic in pass-protection is nothing but efficient, as we all know he can disturb the run-stuffers, he knows how to shed pass-rushers just as well. The ssnior shields the pocket in text-book fashion, and has great footwork, and body positioning to minimize holding calls, and any other unnecessary penalties. Pocic in his senior season led all LSU offensive-linemen in snaps (680), and knockdowns (92). As a three-year starter he is a five-time SEC offensive lineman of the week, including an SEC-best three times in 2016.

Pocic really only has one weakness that I saw that can be easily fixed once he gets under NFL coaching. Pocic’s one weakness is when he pulls across the formation to lead-block. His ability to do so is not the weakness by any means, but his indecisiveness as to who he should block is the weakness that could jeopardize opportunity in those situations. With NFL coaching that will coach him on that right away with the combination of his work-ethic, and focus that part should be improved in no time.

With an eye-grabbing combination of size, athleticism, technique, strength, and versatility, I believe Ethan Pocic has not only solidified himself as a top offensive-lineman, but one of the most valuable prospects entering the 2017 NFL Draft.

Comparison: Nick Mangold Center, New York Jets

With Pocic’s size, it was very hard draw a comparison, but due to his durability, versatility, and effectiveness at all types of blocking, I see Pocic bringing a Nick Mangold type of dynamic to any NFL team. Mangold in his 2015 campaign did not allow one sack, and led the way for the Jets top 10 rushing attack in what was undoubtedly his best season. Pocic has the size, durability, and work-ethic, all with the skill, and determination to bring that, and more to the team that drafts him.